The INKEY List vs ISDIN
The INKEY List and ISDIN are established skincare brands that offer thoughtful daily care through moisturizers, serums, toners, sunscreens, and eye products. Both brands suit sensitive and acne-prone skin best, though the British line also accommodates combination skin and the Spanish brand specializes in advanced sun protection. The INKEY List builds its creations around glycerin to hydrate and restore barrier function, while ISDIN crafts reliable formulas that respect delicate moisture barriers for a balanced complexion. They differ primarily in their heritage and targeted treatments, with specific standouts addressing dark spots and mature skin for each distinct philosophy.
The INKEY List is a British skincare brand founded in 2018 and owned by Brand Evangelists for Beauty Limited.
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ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.
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This page compares some of the most popular The INKEY List and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular The INKEY List vs ISDIN products
People Say
Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “sits beautifully under makeup — The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
- “skin looks smooth and healthy — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
- “Super hydrating — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
Gentle on Skin and Sensitive Formulations Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Safe and gentle especially for my dry, sensitive skin — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “calmed my menopausal redness — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
- “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
- “no excessive exfoliation — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Skin Smoothing and Anti-Aging Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “skin looks fresh and plump — The INKEY List Collagen Peptide Serum”
- “Great for sensitive skin — The INKEY List PHA Toner”
- “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
Affordable Price and Value Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Good for the price — The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser”
- “One of the best balms for quality and also price — The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm”
- “unbeatable value — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
Makeup Compatibility Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “no pilling under makeup — The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum”
- “Brilliant makeup base — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “acts like a primer — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
- “Great under makeup — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
Unpleasant Scent or Strong Fragrance Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Smells like BBQ/meat — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
- “Smells like chemicals — The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum”
- “smells plasticky — The INKEY List ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM”
- “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
Packaging and Quality Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “Pump stopped working — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
- “I like the actual product, but the packaging is awful, I've already lost three bottles the applicator pops off. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
- “Pump breaks easily — The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum”
High Price Point Not notedOften Mentioned
- “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 297.00
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 48.00
-
SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
SAR 75.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
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Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
- Moisturizer Collagen Peptide Serum Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
SAR 75.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 1,771.26 · 92% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,013.85 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 107.76
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
PHA Toner
Evening
SAR 232.00
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,326.11 · 93% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,267.37 · 87% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
The INKEY List vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 191.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.70
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
SAR 429.81
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 848.48
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 63.82
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Polyglutamic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 86.24
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
SAR 46.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Oat Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
SAR 129.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Glycolic Acid Toner
Evening
SAR 88.54
-
Serum or Treatment
10% Azelaic Acid Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 149.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy ISDIN routine · SAR 2,312.92 · 93% fit
Buy The INKEY List routine · SAR 1,056.73 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which is better?
Both brands are great choices depending on your budget and texture preferences, with The INKEY List offering affordable options and ISDIN standing out for lightweight sunscreens and advanced formulas. Reviewers note that The INKEY List provides budget-friendly serums and moisturizers, while ISDIN delivers superior hydration and lightweight textures.
What is the difference between The INKEY List and ISDIN?
The INKEY List offers a more budget-friendly approach with affordable serums and moisturizers, while ISDIN stands out for its ultralight sunscreens and higher price point. Both brands perform equally well for sensitive skin and makeup compatibility, though ISDIN achieves superior routine fit levels across most skin types.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for dry skin?
For dry skin, ISDIN offers a superior routine fit, whereas The INKEY List has a high routine fit.
The INKEY List or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
The products on this page show that both The INKEY List and ISDIN offer lightweight moisturizers, but reviewers mention that ISDIN provides better hydration and moisture. The INKEY List is known for its affordable serums and affordable moisturizers, while ISDIN is often noted for its high price point.
Which is more affordable, The INKEY List or ISDIN?
The INKEY List is more affordable, as the products on this page offer budget-friendly options and value compared to ISDIN, which often comes with a high price point.
Which brand offers better fragrance-free options between The INKEY List and ISDIN?
The INKEY List offers better fragrance-free options because every product on the page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas several ISDIN products contain fragrance.
How do the founding years and locations of The INKEY List and ISDIN compare?
The INKEY List was founded in 2018 in the United Kingdom, whereas ISDIN was founded earlier in 1975 in Spain.
Which brand performs better for texture and hydration according to reviewer themes?
According to reviewer themes, ISDIN performs better for both lightweight and fast-absorbing texture and hydration and moisture.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for oily skin?
For oily skin, ISDIN reaches a Superior routine fit level while The INKEY List reaches a High fit level. Reviewers often mention that ISDIN provides better lightweight and fast-absorbing texture and hydration and moisture, whereas The INKEY List offers a more affordable price and value.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both brands are a Superior fit for sensitive skin, but they differ in formulation and price. The INKEY List lists no fragrance in the products on this page, whereas ISDIN features fragrance in some items.
The INKEY List or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both The INKEY List and ISDIN fit acne-prone skin well, with routine fit levels of High and Superior respectively. Reviewers frequently mention that the products on this page for The INKEY List provide affordable serums, while ISDIN stands out for ultralight sunscreens.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
The moisturizing effects of glycolipid biosurfactants, mannosylerythritol lipids, on human skin
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Darutoside promotes skin wound healing via regulating macrophage polarization
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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